About

With a number of Gulf States now looking to develop their clean energy portfolios, the opportunities for investment in renewables are growing rapidly. Since it was founded in 2008, Bahrain-based Islamic investor First Energy Bank has focused on hydrocarbon oilfield services and energy sector technologies investments throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, an unusual niche requiring expertise in energy, Islamic finance, and an array of regulatory and permitting laws. Head of legal and compliance David Hudson has led and built the legal function since the company’s formation, developing a team with a unique range of skills. Nominators praised the team’s sector-specific knowledge and unique blend of skills and pointed to its role in helping to manage the company through a period of managerial change this year. In early 2016 First Energy Bank chairman Khadem al-Qubaisi and board member Mohamed al-Husseiny departed. Although a highly respected successor, Khaleefa Butti Omair, was installed shortly after, the legal team’s role in maintaining stability and ensuring a smooth transition was highly commended.